About New Orleans
New Orleans, a bustling metropolitan center in Louisiana, rests along the banks of the Mississippi River in close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Sometimes affectionately referred to as “The Big Easy,” New Orleans is well renowned for its plethora of activities to enjoy every hour of the day and night. The city pulsates with an exciting live entertainment scene and is beloved worldwide for its classic Creole cuisine with an extra helping of spice. New Orleans’ history has been shaped by several different cultures including French, African, and classic American. The most frequented event in the city is Mardi Gras, a famed carnival held in winter each year that has become synonymous with its impressive parades, costumed revelers, and parties in the streets.
A city whose residents are extremely welcoming, The Big Easy is a great place in which to visit or to live. New Orleans has a climate that is quite hot and humid. When the weather is not stiflingly warm and sticky, many people like to spend their time enjoying the scenic beauty found at City Park and Audubon Park. The city is also home to many incredible cultural attractions including the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Chalmette Battlefield. The French Quarter is home to many homes of great historical significance as well as several art galleries, boutiques, bars, and the world-famous Bourbon Street.
With scenic beauty and immense cultural charm to its credit, it’s easy to see why New Orleans film shoot locations are always in such high demand.
Film Shoot Location Options in New Orleans
In a city as exciting as the big easy, you can have a lot of fun on your search for the ideal New Orleans film shoot location. Once you’ve narrowed your options down to only one, it’s then time to bring in a team of professionals to help you get your film set ready for the cameras to roll. From supply vendors and rental companies to security firms and catering teams, New Orleans is one city that is chock full of talented professionals that can help you get the job done right.
- Catering
When a break in shooting rolls around, consider a spread of snacks, meals, and beverages on hand to help your cast and crew refuel at your New Orleans film shoot location. New Orleans has a thriving food culture with nearly any type of cuisine you desire represented here. From Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and Creole to French, classic American, and even beignets, hurricanes, and junk food faves, you’ll have no difficulty finding a catering company that can provide you with whatever your heart desires in the Big Easy.
- Security
Keep your valuable equipment properly protected by hiring one of the city’s top security companies to design a comprehensive security plan for your New Orleans film shoot location. Whether you are interested in an on-site, in-person security presence or a video surveillance camera, or an alarm system, New Orleans has many highly recommended security teams that can get the job done for you.
- Prop Rentals
Ensure your film set is complete by renting your furniture, props, artwork, and décor from one of New Orleans' top prop rental stores. Stocking a large inventory of items including costumes, wigs, stage makeup, furniture, décor, art, and even handmade props, the right New Orleans prop store can set you up with everything you need.
Film Shoot Location Companies in New Orleans
Once you’ve decided on the perfect spot for your New Orleans film shoot location, you can start looking for locals to help with the details. You will find many talented professionals in the Big Easy that specialize in turning empty spaces into completely furnished film sets. Connecting with the right professional team can make getting your film set ready as easy as 1-2-3.
- Pigeon Catering
Pigeon Catering is a New Orleans-based catering company that specializes in top-tier cuisine for events of all sizes. The staff at Pigeon Catering custom designs each menu to suit your tastes, theme, and budget, ensuring the food you receive is nothing short of perfection. In addition to their catering services, Pigeon Catering is also a skilled event planner, taking care of every detail of your celebration, wedding, film, or photo shoot for you.
- Steele Protective Services LLC
Providing comprehensive protection plans throughout New Orleans and St Louis, Missouri region, Steele Protective Services LLC is the team that can ensure the protection you need at your film shoot location. Specializing in on-site security detail, the team at Steele Protective Services LLC can provide you with uniformed guards to ensure your property and possessions are well-protected at all times.
- Nola Props
The biggest prop store of its kind in Louisiana, Nola Props stocks a large inventory of such items as period and contemporary furniture pieces, lighting options, and handcrafted props. Providing service to professionals in the Gulf Coast film industry, Nola Props has been in business since 2012.
Pros and Cons of Film Shoot Locations in New Orleans
New Orleans is a very exciting place to hold a film shoot. However, even the most beautiful urban centers have positives and negatives that should be considered before renting a New Orleans film shoot location.
Advantages
- Lots to see and do
New Orleans is one hip and happening city with something going on every hour of the day and night. Throughout the year, there are many festivals to enjoy including the well-known New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival.
- Beautiful architecture
An extremely scenic city, New Orleans has many beautiful buildings that are well worth exploring when in the Big Easy. Among the most popular architectural masterpieces here are the St. Louis Cathedral, the Piazza D’Italia, and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
- Friendly locals
Most New Orleans residents welcome visitors with open arms. There is a very friendly and laid-back vibe here.
Disadvantages
- No area beaches
If you are looking for a vacation hotspot that allows for long days spent at the beach, New Orleans might be a bit of a disappointment for you. The Big Easy is approximately 90 minutes from the nearest seaside attraction.
- Lots of bugs
Sadly, New Orleans has a massive population of insects; many of which pack a powerful punch when they bite or sting you.
- Terrible roads
Unfortunately, the roads in the Big Easy are in desperate need of repair. The highways and streets in this beloved city are well-renowned for their potholes and cracks.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- French Quarter
One of the most frequently visited attractions in New Orleans, a trip to the French Quarter is not to be missed. Located along a curve of the Mississippi River, the architecture seen in this area of the city traces its roots to nearly 300 years ago and is incredibly beautiful. Also found in this section of New Orleans is a large selection of top restaurants, galleries, jazz clubs, souvenir shops, and hotels to enjoy.
- Mardi Gras
The event that has become synonymous with the city, many people make the trek to New Orleans just to experience its Mardi Gras. Lasting two full weeks, the celebrations that take place during Mardi Gras include street parties, parades, festivals, and live entertainment in the streets.
- National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum is well worth visiting when in New Orleans. Featuring a large selection of exhibitors and documentaries, this educational facility is separated into three areas with section one focusing on the Pacific, section two detailing the war’s effects on Europe, and section three dedicated to decommissioned aircraft once used in World War II.